Adjustable keyboard stand

ABSTRACT

The present teachings describe an adjustable keyboard stand comprising a keyboard platform, which receives a keyboard instrument, and a mounting assembly which mounts to a piece of furniture, such as a computer table or desk. The mounting assembly includes a mounting component having two sidewalls and a rear wall joined together so as to define a recess that extends in a first direction. The adjustable keyboard stand may further comprise a support member having a first and a second end, wherein the first end of the support member is attached to the keyboard platform, and wherein the second end of the support member is positioned within the recess in the mounting component so as to be slidably and pivotally movable therein. In one aspect, the weight of the support member and the keyboard platform pivots the second end of the support member in a first direction within the recess such that the second end of the support member engages with the rear wall of the recess to maintain the support member at a first vertical location. The vertical location of the support member can be changed by exerting force on the keyboard platform that induces the support member to pivot in a second direction so as to disengage the second end of the support member from the rear wall of the recess to thereby permit free sliding motion of the second end of the support member in the recess.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/405,199, filed Apr. 1, 2003, entitled “ADJUSTABLE KEYBOARD STAND”,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to support assemblies and, in particular,relates to an adjustable keyboard stand.

2. Description of the Related Art

In an office environment, computers are typically used for everydayoffice tasks, such as word processing. Data entry involves the use of akeyboard to enter information into a computer. Conventional desks ortables are often too high for ergonomic placement of keyboards. Someoffices tend to purchase specially designed desks or tables forcomputers, which can increase overhead costs associated with running abusiness. Keyboard trays or stands are a desirable low cost alternative.Some keyboard stands are adjustable in height so as to accommodatedifferent users.

Some prior art adjustable keyboard stands are adjustable on discretecomponents. In one instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,712 illustrates anadjustable keyboard platform attached to a relatively large mountingpost having rigid corners with serrated teeth that are discretelypositioned along the length of the mounting post. The platform armaturelocks into the serrated teeth for vertical height adjustment.Unfortunately, this particular prior art mounting post can beinconvenient to operate and difficult to manipulate for level heightadjustment. For example, the platform armature can easily becomecockeyed during manipulation where one side of the platform armature ispositioned on a higher serrated tooth than the other side. This promotesa lopsided keyboard platform and discomfort for the user. Also, verticalheight adjustment can be inconvenient in that some users may have a hardtime trying to level out the platform during manipulation and lining upof the serrated teeth.

Other prior art keyboard stands have a variety of different attachmentmechanisms, such screws and bolts, which often have to be manipulated inorder to adjust the stand to a desired vertical height above the groundand also to adjust the tilt angle of the keyboard for the preferences ofan individual user. Often times, these fasteners may become difficult tomanipulate which makes the adjustment process more cumbersome. U.S. Pat.No. 5,211,367 illustrates this cumbersome task of keyboard platformadjustment. As illustrated, the platform armature has many joints witheach having a plurality of locking members that have to be disengagedfrom underneath the table prior to adjusting the height or orientationof the keyboard tray. Unfortunately, this particular adjustable keyboardtray is inconvenient to use or operate because a user has to crawlunderneath the table disengage the locking members, then sit back downwhile holding the keyboard tray so as to adjust it to the appropriateheight or orientation, and then crawl back underneath the table tore-engage the locking members while holding the keyboard tray in theappropriate position. As a result, this adjustable keyboard tray isinconvenient to operate or use for most people.

Therefore, from the foregoing, there currently exists a need for animproved keyboard stand that is readily adjustable and convenient tooperate. To this end, there also currently exists a need for a moreconvenient height adjustment mechanism for a keyboard platform that iseasily manipulated by users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned needs may be satisfied by an adjustable keyboarddevice comprising a keyboard platform which receives a keyboard and amounting assembly which mounts to a piece of furniture, the mountingassembly including a mounting component having two sidewalls and a rearwall that defines a recess that extends in a first direction having avertical component wherein the mounting component defines an openingpositioned between the sidewalls opposite the rear wall that extends inthe first direction.

In one embodiment, the adjustable keyboard device may further comprise asupport member having a first and a second end, wherein the first end ofthe support member is attached to the keyboard platform, and wherein thesecond end of the support member is positioned within the recess in themounting component so as to be slidably and pivotally movable therein.In one aspect, the weight of the support member and the keyboardplatform pivots the second end of the support member in a firstdirection within the recess such that the second end of the supportmember engages with the rear wall of the recess to maintain the supportmember at a first vertical location, and wherein the vertical locationof the support member can be changed by exerting force on the keyboardplatform that induces the support member to pivot in a second directionso as to disengage the second end of the support member from the rearwall of the recess to thereby permit free sliding motion of the secondend of the support member in the recess.

In another embodiment, the sidewalls of the mounting component furthercomprise a pair of channels, and wherein the support member includes aplurality of protrusions that are spaced from the second end such thatthe protrusions are positioned within the channels so as to define apivot axis of the support member with respect to the recess. Theadjustable keyboard device may further comprise a tilt adjustmentassembly that permits adjustment of a tilt angle of the keyboardplatform, wherein the tilt adjustment assembly comprises a shaft and aspring that are interposedly attached between the keyboard platform andthe support member so as to define the tilt angle. In one aspect, thetilt adjustment assembly further comprises a knob that is threadablyattached to the shaft, and wherein the knob can be actuated to increaseor decrease the tilt angle of the keyboard platform. In another aspect,the spring produces a biased tension between the keyboard platform andthe support member, and wherein the tension can be increased ordecreased depending on the position of the knob with respect to theshaft.

The aforementioned needs may also be satisfied by an adjustable standcomprising a mounting bracket attached to a structure and a securingmember having an upper section that is rotatably attached to themounting bracket so as to allow the securing member to rotate withrespect to the structure, the securing member having first and secondsidewalls and a rear wall that are joined together so as to form anopening with an interior recessed region, wherein the first and secondsidewalls each comprise an interior surface having at least one channelformed thereon. In one embodiment, the adjustable stand may comprise aplatform having an upper surface adapted to receive a keyboardinstrument and a lower surface. In addition, the adjustable stand maycomprise a support armature having a first end adapted to be pivotallymounted on the lower surface of the platform and a second end having aplurality of protrusions extending therefrom and stop member attachedthereto, wherein the second end is adapted to be positioned within theinterior recessed region of the securing member adjacent the interiorsurface of the sidewalls so that the plurality of protrusions pivotallyand slidably communicate with the channels to thereby allow the supportarmature to pivot about the protrusions and vertically move along thelength of the channels, and wherein the stop member inhibits verticalmovement of the support armature when engaged with the rear wall of thesecuring member, and wherein the stop member allows vertical movement ofthe support armature when disengaged from the rear wall of the securingmember. These and other objects and advantages of the present inventionwill become more fully apparent from the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an adjustable keyboard stand.

FIG. 2 illustrates an expanded view of the adjustable keyboard stand ofFIG. 1.

FIGS. 3, 4 illustrate a side view of the adjustable keyboard stand ofFIGS. 1, 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals referto like parts throughout. An improved keyboard stand that is readilyadjustable by a user will be described in greater detail herein belowwith reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an adjustable keyboard stand 100having a platform member 102, a support member 104, a tilt member 106, asecuring member 108 with a main body 155 and an upper head structure157, and a mounting member 110. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the adjustablekeyboard stand 100 is adapted to be fixedly attached to the underside ofthe piece of furniture 115, such as a table or desk, which will bedescribed in greater detail herein below. Also, the platform member 102including the support member 104 are continuously adjustable along thelength of the securing member in a manner as will be described ingreater detail herein below.

In one embodiment, the platform member 102 comprises a substantiallyrectangular shape with flat upper and lower surfaces 120 a, 120 b. Thelower surface 120 b of the platform member 102 is pivotally attached tothe support member 104 via a u-shaped bracket 124 and one or more bolts126. The u-shaped bracket 124 is securely attached to the lower surface120 b of the platform member 102 using fasteners (not shown), such asscrews, in a generally known manner. In addition, the u-shaped bracket124 is pivotally attached to a first end 130 a of the support member 104using one or more bolts 126 that function as a pivot juncture such thatthe platform member 102 readily rotates about the one or more bolts 126with respect to the support member 104.

It should be appreciated that the platform member 102 can be adapted toreceive a keyboard or keyboard instrument 117, such as those used withvarious types of computers, musical instruments, etc. In one aspect, theplatform member 102 comprises a strong rigid material, such as wood,plastic, metal, etc., so as to provide a firm platform surface that cansupport the weight of the keyboard or keyboard instrument 117.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the tilt member 106comprises a shaft 140 and a spring 142 that are interconnected between arear portion 128 of the platform member 102 and a mid-portion 130 c ofthe support member 104. The shaft 140 is positioned central to thespring 142 such that the spring 142, in one aspect, winds around theexterior of the shaft 142. In addition, the shaft 140 is adapted to beconnected to the platform member 102 in a generally known manner suchthat the spring 142 abuts the lower surface 120 b of the platform member102. Also, the shaft 140 extends through the support member 106 suchthat the spring 142 abuts an upper surface 132 a of the support member104. In one aspect, the tilt member 106 is spring biased so as toprovide tension between the rear portion 128 of the platform member 102and the mid-portion 130 c of the support member 104.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the tilt member 106 further comprisesa knob 144 that is threadably attached to the post 140 such that theknob 128 can be screwed upward or downward so as to abut a lower surface132 b of the support member 104 and to adjust the tilt angle 146 of theplatform member 102 against the tension of the spring 142. The springproduces a biased tension between the platform member 102 and thesupport member 104, wherein the tension can be increased or decreaseddepending on the position of the knob 144 with respect to the shaft 140.The tilt member 106 provides adjustment to a tilt angle 146 of theplatform member 102. In one aspect, the tilt angle 146 is definedbetween the platform member 102 and the support member 104 with thevertex of the tilt angle 146 defined at the pivot juncture between theplatform member 102 and the support member 104. Advantageously, the tiltangle 146 of the platform member 102 can be adjusted in relation to thesupport member 104 by readily twisting the knob 128.

In one embodiment, the support member 104 is adapted to be slidablyattached to the securing member 108 in a manner that will be describedin greater detail herein below. In addition, the securing member 108 isadapted to be slidably and rotatably attached to the mounting member 110in a manner that will be described in greater detail herein below. Also,the mounting member 110 is adapted to be fixedly attached to theunderside of the piece of furniture 115, such as a table or desk. Itshould be appreciated that the scope and functionality of the securingmember 108 and the mounting member 110 will be described in greaterdetail herein below with reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 illustrates an expanded view of the adjustable keyboard stand 100of FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the support member 104 comprises first andsecond protrusions 134 a, 134 b that extend outward from a second end130 b of the support member 104 in a substantially perpendicular mannerso as to define a pivot axis. In one aspect, the pivot axis allows thesupport member 104 to pivot with respect to the securing member 108 in amanner that will be described in greater detail herein below.

Also, the support member 104 further comprises a stop member 136 that isattached to the second end 130 b of the support member 104 so as to beadjacent the protrusions 134 a, 134 b. The stop member 136 comprisesfirst and second apertures 138 a, 138 b that are adapted to receive thefirst and second protrusions 134 a, 134 b, respectively, and allow thestop member 136 to be attached to the second end 130 b of the supportmember 104. Also, the stop member 136 still further comprises aninclined end 148 that is adapted to engage with the securing member 108in a manner as will be described herein below.

It should be appreciated that, even though the stop member 136 isillustrated in FIG. 2 as a separate part, the stop member 136 may beformed as an integral part of the support member 104 without departingfrom the scope of the present invention. Alternately, it should also beappreciated that the stop member 136 may be formed separately from thesupport member 104 and comprise a pliable material, such as rubber,having a high frictional coefficient for reasons that will be describedin greater detail herein below. In addition, in one aspect, the stopmember 136 may be permanently attached to the second end 130 b of thesupport member 104 using various types of generally known adhesives,such as epoxy or glue, or fasteners, such as screws or bolts. Moreover,in another aspect, the stop member 136 may be slidably attached to thesecond end 130 b of the support member 104 so as to be readily removabletherefrom.

Moreover, the securing member 108 comprises first and second sidewalls170 a, 170 b and a rear wall 172 that are joined together in a manner soas to define the main body 155 of the support structure 108 and a recess160 formed therein that extends in a first direction 174 a. The securingmember 108 further defines first and second interior channels 162 a, 162b within the recess 160 that extend along the length of the securingmember 108. The securing member 108 further defines an opening 176opposite the rear wall 170 that permits access to the recess 160. In oneaspect, the second end 130 b of the support member 104 is positionedwithin the recess 160 via the opening 176 formed in the securing member108, as illustrated in FIG. 1, so that the first and second protrusions134 a, 134 b of the support member 104 slidably engage the first andsecond interior channels 162 a, 162 b, respectively.

Advantageously, the support member 104 vertically slides along thelength of the securing member 108 via the interior channels so as toprovide vertical movement for the platform member 102 with respect tothe piece of furniture 115 that the adjustable keyboard stand 100 ismounted thereto. Also, the support member 104 is continuously adjustablealong a vertical range of motion with respect to the interior channels162 a, 162 b.

Additionally, the rounded or cylindrical shape of the protrusions 134 a,134 b allow the support member 104 to pivot in a first pivotal direction180 or in a second pivotal direction 182 that is opposite the firstpivotal direction 180. The first and second protrusions 134 a, 134 b,when positioned with the first and second interior channels 162 a, 162b, respectively, define the pivot axis. When the support member 104 ispositioned within the recess 160 of the securing member 108, the supportmember 104 can be pivoted about the pivot axis in the first pivotaldirection 180 so that the inclined end 148 of the stop member 136 abutsa back wall 172 of the securing member 108. Similarly, the supportmember 104 can be pivoted about the pivot axis in the second pivotaldirection 182 so that the stop member 136 moves away from the back wall172 of the securing member 108.

In one embodiment, the securing member 108 further comprises a lower endcap structure 164 that is adapted to be positioned in a lower opening166 of the securing member 108. Advantageously, the lower end capstructure 164 is attached to the securing member 108 so as to retain thesecond end 130 b of the support structure 104 in the recess 160 of thesecuring member 108 to thereby inhibit the support structure 104 fromfalling away from the securing member 108. Also, the lower end capstructure 164 comprises a lip 168 that extends within at least a portionof the opening 176 formed in the support structure 108.

In one embodiment, the mounting member 110 is adapted to be mounted onthe underside of the piece of furniture 115 via fasteners 152, such asscrews or bolts, through apertures 150 formed in the mounting member110. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the mounting member 110 comprises lipstructures 154 that define interior slotted regions 156 along the lengthof the mounting member 110. A first rectangular plate 158 a having anextension nut 178 a attached thereto is adapted to be slidablypositioned within the slotted regions 156. In one aspect, the firstrectangular plate 158 a, when positioned within the slotted regions 156of the mounting member 110, is slidable along the length of the mountingmember 110 in the first direction 174 a or a second direction that isopposite the first direction 174 b. A second rectangular plate 158 b isattached to the extension nut 178 a with a fastening washer 178 b in agenerally known manner. The second rectangular plate 158 b is positionedexterior to the slotted regions 156 of the mounting member 110 so as toprovide a mounting surface 186 for the securing member to be mountedthereto.

Additionally, the upper head structure 157 of the securing member 108 isadapted to be mounted to the mounting surface 186 of the secondrectangular plate 186 via fasteners 196, such as nuts and bolts. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, the positional orientation of the upper headstructure 157 is slanted with respect to the main body 155 of thesupport structure 108. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 2, thepositional orientation of the upper head structure 157 is aligned withthe second rectangular plate 186. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the supportstructure 108 attaches to the mounting member 110 so that the upper headstructure 157 is aligned with the mounting member 110 and the main body155 slants away from the platform member 102. Advantageously, thepositional orientation of the main body 155 with respect to upper headstructure 157 and the mounting member 110 allows for more leg room for aseated individual using the adjustable keyboard stand 100. For thisreason, the present teachings of the adjustable keyboard stand providegreater comfort for a user.

Advantageously, the securing member 108, when attached to the firstrectangular plate 158 a via the second rectangular plate 158 b and theextension nut 178 a, slides along the length of the mounting member 110via the slotted regions 156. This allows the platform member 102, whenattached to the mounting member 110 via the support member 104 and thesecuring member 108, to move towards and away from the piece offurniture 115 in the first and second directions 174 a, 174 b,respectively, when the mounting member 110 is attached to the piece offurniture. Moreover, this allows the platform member 102 to comprisemore freedom of movement with respect to the piece of furniture.

In one aspect, the extension nut 178 a is rotatable about the first orsecond rectangular plates 158 a, 158 b so that the securing member 108,when mounted to the mounting member 110, can readily rotate thereaboutin a first rotational direction 198 a or a second rotational directionthat is opposite the first rotational direction 198 a. Advantageously,this allows the platform member 102, when interconnected to the securingmember 108 via the support member 104, to comprise more freedom ofmovement.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a side view of the adjustable keyboard stand100 of FIGS. 1 and 2. In operation, the first and second protrusions 134a, 134 b of the support member 104 are positioned within the first andsecond channels 162 a, 162 b of the securing member 108 so that thesupport member 104 can be vertically adjusted along the length orvertical component of the securing member 108. In one embodiment, theweight of the platform member 102, including the weight of the keyboard117 positioned on the platform member 102, induces the stop member 136to engage with the back wall 172 of the recess 160 formed in thesecuring member 108.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the weight of the platform member 102including, in one aspect, the weight of the keyboard 117 induces thesupport member 104 to rotate in the first pivotal direction 180 therebyurging the stop member 136 against the back wall 172 of the recess 160so as to inhibit the platform member 102 from moving in a first verticaldirection 190. Advantageously, the stop member 136 comprises a highlyfrictional material that inhibits slippage of the support member 104when the stop member 136 abuts the rear wall of the securing member 108.

Conversely, to move the platform member 102 in the first verticaldirection 190 or a second vertical direction 192 that is opposite thefirst vertical direction 190 as illustrated in FIG. 4, a user simplymoves the platform member 102 so as to pivot the support member 104 inthe second pivotal direction 182 to thereby disengage the stop member136 from the back wall 172 of the securing member 108. Advantageously,this pivotal actuation enables the platform member 102 to be readilylifted or lowered to one of a plurality of desirable positions along thelength of the securing member 104.

Advantageously, the improved keyboard stand 100 is continuouslyadjustable along a vertical range of motion 190, 192. Readily adjustingthe improved keyboard stand 100 to an appropriate height for use resultsin greater comfort and convenience for an individual using the stand 100in combination with various keyboard instruments. In addition, theimproved keyboard stand 100 of the present teachings can be easily andreadily adjusted vertically 190, 192 without the manipulation of a rigidfastener or mounting bracket. Thus, in a manner as previously describedand illustrated, the improved adjustable keyboard stand 100 of thepresent teachings is easier to manipulate than many prior art devices.Furthermore, the improved keyboard stand 100 of the present teachingscomprises an adjustable tilt angle 146 for the platform member 102through the use of the spring biased tilt member 106, which furtherincreases the comfort and convenience for the user.

Although the foregoing description has shown, described and pointed outthe fundamental novel features of the invention, it will be understoodthat various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of thedetail of the apparatus as illustrated, as well as the uses thereof, maybe made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spiritor scope of the present invention. Consequently, the scope of theinvention should not be limited to the foregoing discussion, but shouldbe defined by the appended claims.

1. An adjustable keyboard device comprising: a keyboard platform whichreceives a keyboard; a mounting assembly which mounts to a piece offurniture, the mounting assembly including a mounting component havingtwo sidewalls and a rear wall that defines a recess that extends in afirst direction having a vertical component wherein the mountingcomponent defines an opening positioned between the sidewalls oppositethe rear wall that extends in the first direction; and a support memberhaving a first and a second end, wherein the first end of the supportmember is attached to the keyboard platform, and wherein the second endof the support member is positioned within the recess in the mountingcomponent so as to be slidably and pivotally movable therein, andwherein the weight of the support member and the keyboard platformpivots the second end of the support member in a first direction withinthe recess such that the second end of the support member engages withthe rear wall of the recess to maintain the support member at a firstvertical location, and wherein the vertical location of the supportmember can be changed by exerting force on the keyboard platform thatinduces the support member to pivot in a second direction so as todisengage the second end of the support member from the rear wall of therecess to thereby permit free sliding motion of the second end of thesupport member in the recess.